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MLB approves robot umpires as part of challenge system next season

Human plate umpires will still call balls and strikes, but teams can challenge two calls per game and get additional appeals in extra innings.

Those included a pitch clock, restrictions on defensive shifts, pitcher disengagements such as pickoff attempts and larger bases. While there was concern that full-blown ABS would make some strong defensive catchers obsolete, not everyone considers the skill a good thing. The competition committee can unilaterally implement on-field rule changes with 45 days' notice to the MLB Players Association, according to CBS Sports.

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